Star Ruby

Gem name: Star Ruby

Color: red from cherry to dark, bluish or brownish shades; all with a white star at center

Moh hardness level: 9.0

Known mostly as: The July birthstone

Great gift ideas: July birthstone jewelry, July birthstone ring, Star ruby jewelry

Known to represent: Protection from drowning, pain relief

Star ruby jewelry gets its name from not only the Latin word 'ruber', meaning red, but also from the star at its center. The color of a ruby comes from a red variety of the mineral corundum. All other color varieties of corundum are known as sapphire. This July birthstone shines in shades ranging from fiery, magical red to deep, brooding crimson of passion. On the Moh's scale of gem hardness, ruby comes in second with diamond being the only stone that is tougher. I offer star ruby jewelry in your choice of settings including sterling silver, yellow gold or white gold.

The star ruby is unique because it is not only a beautiful ruby, but due to the rutile (meaning silk) that is present within the gem. Most star ruby jewelry features a gem cut in the dome-shaped cabochon style and its star pattern is called an 'asterism'. This feature is a phenomenon so therefore, the star ruby is referred as a phenomenal gemstone. For those born with a July Birthstone, a star ruby ring can be an excellent way to show you care and go a step beyond the average ruby.

The star ruby jewelry offered here at Earth's Treasure is a lab created gem which is not only a flawless version of the natural star ruby, but also features a star that shows in any and all sources of light unlike the natural which is difficult to see except in certain lighting situations. This means a lab created star ruby pendant will give a superior star pattern that's bound to impress observers. Sri Lanka and Burma are the only two places in the world where the star ruby can be mined, so it makes sense to enjoy this precious gem as a lab grown one because this keeps it amazingly affordable without sacrificing quality in the style or material of the star ruby itself. The largest star ruby in the world is the 2,475 carat Rajaratna.

The star ruby, like it's cousin, Star Sapphire is known for being believed to contain healing powers that help to boost the internal strength which wards off tension and distress in the mind. Along these lines, star ruby earrings would be seen as driving away migraines, hysteria and even insomnia. In old times, a star ruby men’s ring would be seen to bring about courage on the battlefield. The warriors of India was said to cause one's opponent to lose half of their valor if the star ruby was a visible part of a helmet.

Rubies are also believed to be helpful for back trouble and toenail problems if applied directly to the skin. They can aid in the passion between two people, as well, so you may find that star ruby jewelry helps with romance, too. Of course, none of these claims about star ruby properties are independently verified by science, but even if the effects are placebo, it doesn't matter if you get the results that you are seeking.

Star rubies are not only the July birthstone they are also the gem associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn. Star ruby jewelry is most commonly given to celebrate a couple's 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Care of star rubies is actually quite simple due to the hardness of the gem. If you are doing rough work that may expose them to scraping or harsh chemicals you may want to remove them during this, but otherwise you can clean them gently with warm soapy water or jewelry cleanser. They should be stored in a fabric lined box away from other softer gems that they could scratch.

If you're looking for a gem that's special for a Capricorn or a person born during the month of July, then you are certainly looking at the correct gem. Star ruby jewelry is an amazing way to show your appreciation and care because it's not simply a ruby, it includes a special star that sets it apart from other gems. A gift of this kind will surely be treasured for a lifetime.